Reproductive Choices

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conception

the merging of a sperm and an ovum

spermatogenesis

the process by which sperm cells are produced

fertilization

the fusion of sperm and egg nucleus

zygote

a fertilized egg

blastocyst

in embryonic development, a ball of cells with a surface layer and an inner cell mass

implantation

the embedding of the fertilized ovum in the uterine lining

contraception

the prevention of conception; birth control

barrier contraceptives

birth control devices that block the meeting of egg and sperm, either by physical barriers, such as condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, or by chemical barriers, such as spermicide, or both

condom

a latex sheath worn over the penis during sexual acts to prevent conception and/or the transmission of disease; the female condom lines the walls of the vagina

vaginal spermicide

a substance that kills or neutralizes sperm, inserted into the vagina in the form of a foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film

vaginal contraceptive film (VCF)

a small dissolvable sheet saturated with spermicide that can be inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix

diaphragm

a bowl-like rubber cup with a flexible rim that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus during sexual intercourse; used with a spermicidal foam or jelly, it serves as both a chemical and physical barrier to sperm

cervical cap

a thimble-size rubber or plastic cap that is inserted into the vagina to fit over the cervix and prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus during sexual intercourse; used with a spermicidal foam or jelly, it serves as both a chemical and a physical barrier to sperm

oral contraceptives

preparations of synthetic hormones that inhibit ovulation; also referred to as birth control pills or simply the pill

monophasic pill

an oral contraceptive that releases synthetic estrogen and progestin at constant levels throughout the menstrual cycle

multiphasic pill

an oral contraceptive that releases different levels of estrogen and progestin to mimic the hormonal fluctuations of the natural menstrual cycle

minipill, progestin-only pill

an oral contraceptive containing a small amount of progestin and no estrogen, which prevents contraception by making the mucus in the cervix so thick that sperm cannot enter the uterus

intrauterine device (IUD)

a device inserted into the uterus through the cervix to prevent pregnancy by interfering with implantation

rhythm method

a birth control method in which sexual intercourse is avoided during those days of the menstrual cycle in which fertilization is most likely to occur

emergency contraception (EC)

types of oral contraceptive pills, usually taken within 72 hours after intercourse, that can prevent pregnancy

sterilization

a surgical procedure to end a person's reproductive capability

vasectomy

a surgical sterilization procedure in which each vas deferens is cut and tied shut to stop the passage of sperm to the urethra for ejaculation

tubal ligation

the suturing or tying shut of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy

tubal occlusion

the blocking of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy

laparoscopy

a surgical sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are observed, with a laparoscope inserted through a small incision, and then cut or blocked

medical abortion

method of ending a pregnancy within nine weeks of conception using hormonal medications that cause expulsion of the fertilized egg

suction curettage

a procedure in which the contents of the uterus are removed by means of suction and scraping

dilation and evacuation (D and E)

a medical procedure in which the contents of the uterus are removed through the use of instruments

preconception care

health care to prepare for pregnancy

embryo

an organism in its early stage of development; in humans, the embryonic period lasts the second to the eighth week of pregnancy

amnion

the innermost membrane of the sac enclosing the embryo or fetus

fetus

the human organism developing in the uterus from the ninth week until birth

placenta

an organ that develops after implantation and to which the embryo attaches, via the umbilical cord, for nourishment and waste removal

ectopic pregnancy

a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube

miscarriage

a pregnancy that terminates before the twentieth week of gestation; also called spontaneous abortion

rubella

an infectious disease that may cause birth defects if contracted by pregnant woman; also called German measles

premature labor

labor that occurs after the twentieth week but before the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy

Lamaze method

a method of childbirth preparation taught to expectant parents to help woman cope with the discomfort of labor; combines breathing and psychological techniques

labor

the process leading up to birth

cesarean delivery

the surgical procedure in which an infant is delivered through an incision made in the abdominal wall and uterus

infertility

the inability to conceive a child

artificial insemination

the introduction of viable sperm into the vagina by artificial means for the purpose of inducing conception